AS THIS year marks the 50th anniversary of her death, the songs of legendary French chanteuse Edith Piaf will be given added poignancy when they are performed in Cardiff later this month.

AS THIS year marks the 50th anniversary of her death, the songs of legendary French chanteuse Edith Piaf will be given added poignancy when they are performed in Cardiff later this month.

Eve Loiseau is touring the UK recreating the songs of the singer who has become synonymous with French cabaret of the ’40s and ’50s and remains France’s most popular singer.

Piaf’s life is the stuff of legend – from her dramatic rise from Paris street urchin to star of international renown. Her life, however, was not without tragedy and towards the end she was ravaged by pain and injury, turning to drugs to find comfort and solace, never able to believe that she was loved by thousands of fans the world over.

This powerful celebration comes from a company whose credentials include Kneehigh Theatre and Canteve Vocale.

As well as La vie en rose, Sous le Ciel de Paris, Autumn Leaves, Padam Padam, L’Accordéoniste, Non Je Ne Regrette Rien and many more, the show features a lively narrative.

Eve’s passion for Piaf developed at a young age, around the dining table in South East France. Coming from a family of singers, long summer meals were often rounded off with French chansons.

Since her debut at the Royal Festival Hall in February 2002, Eve has given recitals in England, New York and France. She will be joined in Cardiff by Fiona Barrow on violin and Murray Grainger on accordion.

Murray has played everywhere from Celtic Connections to The Royal Albert Hall and is equally at home playing folk or contemporary opera.

Fiona has worked extensively in theatre as a performer, musical director and composer, including a sell-out run on Broadway and tours of Europe, Australia, and USA.

Piaf – The Songs is at the Richard Burton Theatre, RWCMD, Cardiff, on Thursday, January 24. Tickets cost £15, (£12 cons) from the box office on 029 2039 1391 or www.rwcmd.ac.uk

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